Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
“Okay.” John got to his feet and fell into step with the man. “Where is it?”
“Three streets over.”
He tried to pull up a mental map of the section of town, but his mind was shutting down from pain and cold. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it. You look like you aren’t used to being on the street. Got your ass kicked already I can see. Someone did a number on you.”
“You have no idea.” They crossed the street and kept going.
“What did you do? Sit in his spot?”
“Not that I was aware of. I don’t think he liked my face.”
“Happens.”
Without anything smart to say, John grunted. Sweat dripped down his skin, making him even colder.
“You sick?”
“No, just hurt.”
They were near a liquor store and John held up his hand. “Hang on. I need to get a drink.”
“You have money?”
“For this I do.” They went inside together and the man behind the counter barely looked up at them. He got a small bottle of Crown Royal and went to the register.
“You look like hell,” the man stated when he looked up. “Anything else?”
“No.”
He made sure to crumple the bill before he handed it over. The man took it, eyed it carefully before making change and handing it over along with the drink in a brown bag. He took both eagerly and headed out the door.
“You sharing?” The man with him posed the question.
“Sure.” He opened the bottle and took a drink. The warmth burned through him and he closed his eyes in bliss. Then he passed it over. The man took a drink and handed it back.
“Thanks. It’s nice to have on these cold nights.”
“Yes.” I’d prefer a warm bed and Leena but I can understand why these guys drink so much.
They made their way across another street and the lights weren’t as prevalent as before. Together they went by people sleeping. He passed two people and a dog on a grate. The shabby looking dog lifted his head as they went by, but he didn’t bark or get up. Then he put his head back down and turned away.
Dismissed just like Argo does me. They moved further down the street and the beams of headlights crossed them. A car door slammed and he turned slightly to look behind him. One guy climbed out of the vehicle and was approaching them.
“Don’t make eye contact,” the man with him said. “It will hurt less.”
“What will?”
“The beating he wants to give you.”
I can’t take another beating. “Does he travel alone?”
“Yes.”
“Oy!” the cry halted them. “Yes, that’s right, you homeless fucks. I’m talking to you. Want to make some money?”
“No.” The guy with him ducked his head and walked faster.
“No? You’re living in shit conditions. I can give you some money. Then you can drink it up.” He laughed. “Hey. Hey! I’m talking to you.”
John faced him fully just in time to see him shoot the man beside him. The soft pop barely discernible over the wind. His companion fell with a cry, grabbing his chest.
“Should have taken the money. Now you’re going to bleed without any money. What about you? Should I shoot you too?”
John had had enough. He recognized the man. Cousin to the main family. Makim. Typically dealt with human trafficking and not the gun side. “No, you want to fight, let’s fight.” He cut a glance to the guy lying beside him. Hang in there.
“I think I just want to shoot you as well.” He lifted the gun and fired. John moved so it lodged in his shoulder.
“Damn it.”
Running at the man, he prayed he got there before he could get another shot off. The man lifted his arm again and went down hard under a large dog attacking from the back. The shot went wild and John skidded to a stop as he stared at the scene before him. The man screamed as the dog continued to hold his arm, the growls meaner than anything he’d ever heard before.
A figure dashed through the light and drew up short. His heart caught in his chest as he locked eyes with the woman staring at him.
“Leena?”
Back to the dog then to the woman. He shook his head; sure he was seeing things.
“John. Oh, thank God, you’re okay.”
“What the fuck are you doing here, woman?”
“Apparently saving your ass once more. I see blood, are you okay?”
“I am but my friend was shot in the chest. We need to get him to a hospital.”
“Vehicle’s running, put him in there. We can leave this fuck here.” She looked down at the man still held in check by the dog. “Shooting people is wrong. Have you learned your lesson?”
“Bitch,” he hissed. “Get this damn dog off me.”
“No. I think he’s staying right there for a bit.” She ran to the SUV and brought it closer.
John hefted the man and put him in the back. He waited while the dog jumped in then the door closed. Leena turned them around and stopped briefly by the grate he’d first seen this dog on. She crouched by the woman and spoke to her then got back inside after pressing something in her hand.